Features | Aluminium

https://staging1.creamermedia.com/

Aluminium

New plant to increase manufacturer’s recycling capacities

30th August 2024 UK-based aluminium extrusion specialist Exlabesa announced that it would expand its aluminium recycling capacities by implementing an additional continuous homogenising plant from special aluminium machinery and equipment designer Hertwich Engineering. Exlabesa is expanding production at its... →

Headway made on fire-combating tech, new facility

30th August 2024 Ultra-high purity alumina (HPA) and related aluminium materials manufacturer Alpha HPA is making significant headway with its breakthrough technology to combat rising lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery fires, with flame-testing confirming the safety benefits of its UltraCoat process. →

Two women in PPE and blue overalls working on a processing machine

TRUST THE PROCESS Two process engineers from Alpha HPA working on its latest UltraCoat process

Aluminium imperatives challenging to meet

By: Halima Frost 30th August 2024 The South African aluminium industry faces many challenges, including the need for greater recyclability and the push for a greener, more reliable power supply, says semi-finished nonferrous metals supplier Metal & Tool Trade (MTT) MD and aluminium stalwart Volker Schütte. He stresses that the... →

A large factory setting with aluminium rolls and vehicles in it

ROLLING WITH RECYCLING The uptake of recycling in aluminium production has multiple benefits that should be explored

South Africa’s scrap recycling lags behind global trends

By: Halima Frost 30th August 2024 It is undeniable that aluminium is one of the most recyclable materials in circulation globally, with about 75% of the total 1.5-billion metric tonnes of aluminium generated to date still in use, says industry representative organisation Aluminium Federation South Africa CEO Muzi Manzi. He adds... →

CAN DO ATTITUDE A positive perspective to South Africa's aluminium recycling capabilities needs to be attained to compete globally

Company launches new range of aluminium filter regulators

1st September 2023 NYSE-listed technology and engineering company Emerson has launched its new ASCO Series 641, 642 and 643 aluminum filter regulators, which maximise process efficiency and reduce unplanned downtime in a broad range of process applications. This line of durable, aluminum filter regulators can... →

STREAMLINED SUPPLY The ASCO Series of aluminium filter regulators maximises process efficiency and reduces unplanned downtime

Ladders recalled, owing to safety concerns

By: Simone Liedtke 1st September 2023 The National Consumer Commission (NCC) has issued a critical safety warning to all individuals who possess Mainstay and Terra Firma multi-hinge aluminium ladders, Model JC 403, 150 kg. “It is imperative that users cease using these products immediately and return them to the point of purchase for... →

TERRA FIRMA The Terra Firma ladder that was being distributed by Makro, has been recalled

Company elaborates on roles in sustainability, aluminium

By: Simone Liedtke 1st September 2023 The aluminium industry is undergoing a transformation driven by the need for sustainability, efficiency, and technological advancements. At the forefront of this transformation, integrated service and solutions provider SMS group is dedicated to addressing the specific demands of its customers... →

DEDICATED ASSISTANCE SMS group is dedicated to addressing the specific demands of the aluminum sector

Aluminium Federation of South Africa (AFSA)

1st September 2023 The Aluminium Federation of South Africa (AFSA) is the voice of and gateway to the South African Aluminium industry – involved in increasing the awareness and use of aluminium in Southern Africa since 1981. The Purpose of AFSA is: →

Sector mulls duty’s future

By: Simone Liedtke 1st September 2023 The intricate task of reconciling the interests of divergent stakeholders, including local manufacturers and downstream industries, lies at the heart of ongoing deliberations by the International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa (Itac) and the Department of Trade, Industry and... →

VOLKER SCHüTTE Critics argue that the import duty has led to increased prices and hindered competition

Industry building resilience

By: Simone Liedtke 1st September 2023 In a resolute demonstration of their “unwavering commitment to operational continuity”, some members of industry representative Aluminium Federation of South Africa (Afsa) have undertaken the pivotal endeavour of significantly investing in alternative electricity generation methods. This... →

Economic conditions challenge industry

By: Leah Shelene Asaram 30th September 2022 The softer demand for aluminium transport applications, such as trailers, tankers and tippers, amid the current tough economic climate has made the recovery of the transport industry to pre-lockdown levels even tougher, according to steel merchandiser and distributor Macsteel CEO Mike Benfield.... →

Local growth vital for export capabilities

By: Leah Shelene Asaram 30th September 2022 For South Africa to become a net exporter of aluminium, local growth must take precedence, says Aluminium Federation of South Africa (Afsa) CEO Muzi Manzi. This can be achieved by developing research and development communities that support local growth areas, innovation and design, as well as... →

INFINITE METAL Aluminium remains the only metal that is infinitely recyclable

Conference to map future role of aluminium

By: Leah Shelene Asaram 30th September 2022 This year’s International Aluminium Conference and Exhibition serves as a stepping-stone towards the vision of doubling local aluminium demand by 2030 by increasing local demand and exports of value-added products. The conference will be held at the Cape Town International Convention Centre on... →

BRIDGET ZUMA-RUBAMBURA Focus on oxyfuel technology for the metallurgical industry

Operations challenges impair sector growth

By: Leah Shelene Asaram 30th September 2022 Local companies are not operating at full capacity, owing to a lack of manufacturing and product focus which impairs South Africa’s goal of becoming a relevant global player in the aluminium market, says non-ferrous metals importer and stockist Metal and Tool Trade (MTT) MD Volker Schutte. “We... →

An image of aluminium used-beverage cans

ALUMINIUM FOR THE FUTURE Recycled aluminium only uses 5% of energy compared to the production of primary aluminium

SA largest aluminium-producing country in Africa

By: Leah Shelene Asaram 30th September 2022 In 2021, South Africa produced about 720 000 t of refined aluminium, becoming the largest aluminium-producing country in Africa, says Aluminium Federation of South Africa (Afsa) CEO Muzi Manzi. “A large proportion of the primary metal produced is used in the local market as remelt ingots to... →

AUTOMATION Aluminium - the best metal for manufacturing electric vehicles and creating the necessary charging infrastructure

The Aluminium Federation of South Africa

24th September 2021 The Aluminium Federation of South Africa (AFSA) is the voice of and gateway to the South African Aluminium industry - involved in increasing the awareness and use of aluminium in Southern Africa since 1981. The Purpose of AFSA is: →

Rare earth elements discovered

24th September 2021 Last month, mining company Australian Bauxite Limited (ABX) confirmed its discovery of rare earth element (REE) accumulations within its bauxite tenement in northern Tasmania that are enriched in the strategically important REE metals neodymium and praseodymium, along with terbium and dysprosium. →

HybroHeat furnace technology developed

By: Anna Moross 24th September 2021 With the development of the HybroHeat furnace technology, plant supplier SMS group underlines once again its position as world market leader for aluminium extrusion plants. →

An image of the hybroheat furnace technology

HYBROHEAT FURNACE TECHNOLOGY HybroHeat furnace technology combines the advantages of cost-efficient preheating of log material in a gas furnace and precise temperature setting

Industry developed through strategy

By: Anna Moross 24th September 2021 While the Aluminium Federation of South Africa’s (AFSA’s) role in the South African Aluminium Industry Roadmap (SAAIR) has been to promote the roadmap and ensure that policymakers are aware of the envisaged, ambitious deliverables, there have been major challenges and milestones, including... →

MUZI MANZI At the height of the pandemic, the LME's aluminium prices plummeted to a low of $1 425/t in April of 2020, resulting in increased stockpiles

Company highlights advantages of aluminium for industry

By: Anna Moross 24th September 2021 Water-jet cutting company MAXJET GLOBAL highlights why aluminium is becoming one of the main materials used in the aerospace, automotive and signage industry and the steps taken to process aluminium through water-jet cutting. →

An image of the water-jet cutting machinery

WATER-JET CUTTING When using precision water-jet cutting and profiling with aluminium, there are different steps in the process of implementation for different projects

World Trade Fair postponed to next year

25th September 2020 Owing to the serious consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic, event organiser Reed Exhibitions has announced the postponement of the Aluminium World Trade Fair to May 18 to 20, 2021. The trade fair was scheduled to take place in Düsseldorf, Germany from October 6 to 8, this year. →

Recycling tech boosted by crystallisation research

25th September 2020 An innovative method for aluminium recycling has been boosted by research showing the microscopic changes that take place when molten alloys cool. University of Birmingham School of Metallurgy and Materials researcher Dr Biao Cai used sophisticated high-speed X-ray imaging to record the... →

Analyser allows for accurate aluminium alloy testing

25th September 2020 Handheld analyser producer SciAps’ X-250 analyser measures magnesium (Mg) and silicon (Si) up to ten times faster than any other X-ray gun, with better sensitivity for highly accurate aluminium (Al) alloy testing, says analysing and non-destructive testing equipment supplier GammaTec SciAps... →

GREAT PERFORMANCE The X-250 delivers high performance to Al alloys, without compromising speed and accuracy on all the other alloys

Press tech allows for high-quality extrusions

25th September 2020 Metallurgical industry plant and integrated systems provider SMS group recently received the final acceptance certificate from aluminum frames supplier Garner Aluminium Extrusions (Garnalex). The certification was received for the complete extrusion line supplied by SMS group and its consortium... →

GREATER ACCESSIBILITY The enclosure design is not only state-of-the-art, but also takes into account all aspects of operational safety while also ensuring better machine accessibility

AFSA

25th September 2020 The Aluminium Federation of South Africa (AFSA) is the voice of and gateway to the South African Aluminium industry - involved in increasing the awareness and use of aluminium in Southern Africa since 1981. The Purpose of AFSA is: →

Gammatec

25th September 2020 Gammatec NDT Supplies specialises in manufacturing, marketing, sales and support for the non-destructive testing (NDT) industry. Part of NTP Radioisotopes, a state-owned company and subsidiary of the South African Nuclear Energy Corporation (NECSA), Gammatec is also an equity shareholder in... →

Extrusion press concept for aluminium sector developed

By: Halima Frost 27th September 2019 As a global service partner for clients, metallurgical industry plant and integrated systems provider, SMS group has developed a concept for extrusion presses offering significant flexibility and efficiency for the steel and aluminium industries. “SMS group service technicians are specifically... →

KEEP ROLLING ROLLING ROLLING A cold rolling production line supplied to an international client by SMS group

Demand growth continues to outweigh production growth

27th September 2019 Last month, macroeconomic researcher Fitch Solutions – a unit of the Fitch Group –reported that the global aluminum market will see a number of deficits over the coming years as solid demand growth, driven by the construction and autos sectors, outpaces production growth. Notably, the global... →

BUILDING SPEED The construction and automotive sectors have seen solid demand growth which has outpaced production growth

Company launches recycled bicycle

27th September 2019 Global food and beverage company Nestle Global’s brand Nespresso has announced the launch of its fully recycled aluminium bicycle the RE:CYCLE – part of its drive to remain at the forefront of a circular economy and demonstrating its commitment to recycling. Aluminium is one of the world's most... →

THINK BIKE For every Vélosophy bike sold a second bike will be donated to a developing country in an effort to aid poverty relief

Company diversifies aluminium offering

By: Erin Steenhoff-Snethlage 28th September 2018 Aluminium composite cladding / material (ACP or ACM) is widely used on building facades internationally, and although very much in its infancy in South Africa, it is slowly gaining traction. It is preferred over painted surfaces due to its colour retention, corrosion resistance and low... →

DESIGN VERSATILITY The aluminium composite material panels allow for versatile facade designs

Manufacturer keeps up with increasingly complex orders

28th September 2018 As manufacturing becomes more specialised, manufacturing companies have to keep up with customers’ changing demands with regards to complexity of manufactured parts as well as functionality and the aesthetic appeal of the product. South African arm of Germany-based metallurgical plant and rolling... →

EXTRUSION The SMS group has expertise in aluminium, copper, copper alloys and steel extrusion

Record-high margins for aluminium sales

By: Erin Steenhoff-Snethlage 28th September 2018 Johannesburg-based precision water-cutting and -profiling company AquaJet Profiles noted record-high aluminium sales profit margins earlier this year, owing to the sanctions placed on Russian suppliers exporting to the US, claims AquaJet Profiles director Preeshan Naidoo. The sanctions were... →

Photo by Reuters
TARIFF SEE-SAW US tariffs have had a positive and negative effect on aluminium profit margins

Aluminium company achieves positive results

29th September 2017 Aluminium supplier and exporter Hulamin delivered a strong manufacturing performance and improved financial results for the half-year ended June 30, despite difficult market conditions and the rand being 14% stronger compared with the corresponding period in 2016, says Hulamin CEO Richard Jacob.... →

STRONG RESULTS
Aluminium supplier and exporter Hulamin’s unaudited interim results for the half-year indicated noteworthy headline earnings a share up 17% to 56c a share

Photo by Bloomberg
STRONG RESULTS Aluminium supplier and exporter Hulamin’s unaudited interim results for the half-year indicated noteworthy headline earnings a share up 17% to 56c a share

Recovery rate growth lies in metals from landfills

By: Tasneem Bulbulia 29th September 2017 With South Africa already boasting a recovery rate of about 72% for used beverage cans, metals packaging industry body MetPac-SA believes that further potential lies in diverting other metal packaging such as aluminium foil, containers and empty tin cans from landfills. “With regards to aluminium... →

CAN-DO ATTITUDE Many households in South Africa already undertake excellent work in recycling components such as beer and soft drink beverage cans

Stalcor

By: Zandile Mavuso 29th September 2017 Established in 1973, metal company Stalcor is the largest stainless steel, aluminium and carbon steel supplier in South Africa. →

Company provides solutions to facilitate progress in industry

29th September 2017 Aluminium has a “brilliant” future, as the light-weight material offers impressive solutions for sustainable mobility, durable packaging or urban construction projects, and the SMS group is perfectly positioned to further growth, avers systems supplier SMS group aluminium business head Michael... →

MICHAEL SCHÄFER The aluminium industry benefits from the fact that the SMS Group knows its material, its products and all its complex production processes

Stalcor

By: Zandile Mavuso 21st October 2016 Established in 1973, Stalcor is one of the top three South African distributors and processors of stainless steel, aluminium and carbon steel products sourced both locally and globally. →

Uncompetitive scrap metal prices causing further decline in industry

By: Simone Liedtke 23rd September 2016 Unless strong action is immediately taken to stem the export of scrap metal and keep it in South Africa at competitive prices, the scrap beneficiating industry will further decline, and directly affect the aluminium sector, says aluminium foundry alloys producer Zimco Aluminium Company (Zimalco)... →

Photo by Bloomberg
ALUMINIUM SMELTING PLANT Scrap and aluminium metals are being processed further into semi-finished products

Editorial Insight

Trading in focus

more

Business Leader

Leigh Ann Johannsen

Leigh Johannsen, MD of Check-Your-Driver

more

Cartoon

SHOCK ABSORBER

more

Photo of the week

GREENER SHIPPING

more

RSS Feed

About

Engineering News is a product of Creamer Media.
www.creamermedia.co.za

Other Creamer Media Products include:
Mining Weekly
Research Channel Africa
Polity

Newsletters

Sign up for our FREE daily email newsletter

Receive daily sector news alerts

More

Subscriptions

We offer a variety of subscriptions to our Magazine, Website, PDF Reports and our photo library.

Subscriptions are available via the Creamer Media Store.

View store

Advertise

Advertising on Engineering News is an effective way to build and consolidate a company's profile among clients and prospective clients. Email advertising@creamermedia.co.za

View options

Subscribe